Scouts following the A's lately believe the American League's top team has just one weakness: second base.

"They could use more production there," one scout said Saturday. "That's where they could use some help."

A's second basemen are batting .215, the lowest mark in the league. Eric Sogard, the left-handed hitter who is the primary second baseman, is batting .200; Nick Punto, who often starts at second against left-handers, .233. And Alberto Callaspo, who started at first base Saturday but who has made five starts at second, is 0 for his past 19 and batting .223.

A premium second baseman, however, would require a substantial return, and the A's won't part with their top prospect, shortstop Addison Russell. Some other potential trade pieces, such as minor-league right-hander Raul Alcantara, are hurt. It's unclear whether Oakland could put together the kind of package that would get a player such as Philadelphia's Chase Utley, rumored yet again to be on the trading block.

When Dan Straily and Tommy Milonewere both struggling, it appeared more likely that the team might try to acquire a starter, and given Oakland's lack of depth when it comes to starting pitching, that remains a possibility. In a real pinch, the team could trade one of its three catchers for pitching help.

Good progress: Eric O'Flaherty, coming back from Tommy John surgery, struck out the side on 13 pitches in his first rehab appearance with Class-A Stockton on Friday.

The left-hander is expected to make a half dozen more minor-league outings, but manager BobMelvin said he does not need to be able to pitch in back-to-back games before he joins the A's, which means he could be with the team before the end of the month.

On deck

Sunday

at Orioles

10:35 a.m. CSNCA

Kazmir (6-2) vs. Jimenez (2-6)

Monday

at Angels

7:05 p.m. CSNCA

Chavez (5-3) vs. Richards (5-2)

Tuesday

at Angels

7:05 p.m. CSNCA

Pomeranz (5-3) vs.

Skaggs (4-4)

Leading off

Remembering Monica: A's reliever Jim Johnson, who spent most of his career with Baltimore, and public relations director Bob Rose were among those attending a memorial service at Camden Yards for longtime Orioles PR director Monica Barlow, who died of cancer this year at age 36.